January 2026 Edition
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January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#7421
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Dubai’s benchmark index rose by 1%.
(b) Oil prices fell to a one-week low of $89.23 a barrel.
(c) Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index closed with significant gains.
(d) Abu Dhabi’s index gained 0.2%.
Explanation: The Saudi Arabian benchmark index closed flat, not with significant gains, due to the tug-of-war between diplomatic hopes and security concerns. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#7422
Which article of the UN Charter is cited in the March 11, 2026, resolution to underscore the right to self-defense?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) Article 103
Explanation: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. This was explicitly invoked in the resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#7423
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#7424
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#7425
Following the de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, the Indian rupee reached a high of what duration on July 27, 2026?
(a) One-week high
(b) One-month high
(c) Three-week high
(d) Two-week high
Explanation: The Indian rupee hit a two-week high on July 27, 2026, supported by lower oil prices and restored foreign investor flows. Other durations are incorrect based on the market report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431999/indian-shares-snap-losing-run-on-oil-slide-earnings-optimism, 27 Jul 2026]
#7426
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#7427
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#7428
Who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the July 2026 elections?
(a) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal
(b) Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin
(c) Azhar Sadiq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ghulam Mustafa Mughal is the official who oversaw the electoral process and addressed the media regarding the results and incidents. The other names are political candidates involved in the election. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]
#7429
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#7430
Who serves as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media who commented on the bilateral support for Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mosharraf Zaidi, acting as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media, provided the interview to Bloomberg TV regarding Pakistan's stance on regional security. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#7431
What was the primary driver for the rise in Gulf equity markets on July 27, 2026?
(a) Record-breaking quarterly earnings across all sectors
(b) Hopes of a diplomatic de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict
(c) A sudden surge in global oil prices above $100 per barrel
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market rally was primarily attributed to investor optimism regarding a potential diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war. Oil prices actually declined to a one-week low, making option C incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#7432
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#7433
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#7434
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]
#7435
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#7436
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#7437
Consider the following statements about the AJK elections held in July 2026: 1. The Election Commission declared 1,241 polling stations as highly sensitive. 2. A political worker was killed in an incident in Nakyal. 3. The polling process was completed without any extension of voting hours. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the election reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because voting hours were extended by one hour to accommodate voters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]
#7438
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#7439
Consider the following statements about the military command overhaul in 2026: 1. Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). 2. The CNSC appointment process is subject to judicial review under the 27th Amendment. 3. The CNSC position replaces the nuclear management functions previously held by the CJCSC.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the 27th Amendment explicitly states that the appointment process cannot be called into question before any court. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#7440
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]